Lung preservation in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of tracheobronchial tree: A case series

Rare but clinically important salivary gland-type tumor of the lung: A review

Salivary gland-type tumor (SGT) of the lung, which arises from the bronchial glands of the tracheobronchial tree, was first recognized in the 1950s. SGT represents less than 1% of all lung tumors and is generally reported to have a good prognosis. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are the two most common subtypes, comprising more than 90% of all SGTs. The reported 5-year survival rate of patients with SGT is 63.4%. Because this type of tumor develops in major bronchi, patients with SGT commonly present with symptoms of bronchial obstruction, including dyspnea, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing; thus, the tumor is usually identified at an early stage. Most patients are treated by lobectomy and pneumonectomy, but bronchoplasty or tracheoplasty is often needed to preserve respiratory function. Lymphadenectomy in the surgical resection of SGT is recommended, given that clinical benefit from lymphadenectomy has been reported in patients with MEC. For advanced tumors, appropriate therapy should be considered according to the subtype because of the varying clinicopathologic features. MEC, but not ACC, is less likely to be treated with radiation therapy because of its low response rate. Although previous researchers have learned much from studying SGT over the years, the diagnosis and treatment of SGT remains a complex and challenging problem for thoracic surgeons. In this article, we review the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) of SGT, mainly focusing on MEC and ACC. We also summarize reports of adjuvant and definitive radiation therapy for ACC in the literature.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 7-year-old child

A 7-year-old boy presented with exertional dyspnea and cough, initially misdiagnosed as asthma. Imaging revealed a mass obstructing the left main bronchus, later identified as a pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Following surgical sleeve resection, complete tumor removal occurred without malignancy in surrounding lymph nodes, resulting in symptom resolution without additional therapy. Pulmonary MEC, uncommon in pediatric patients, poses diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Typically managed via complete surgical resection, MEC offers a favorable prognosis, primarily affecting central airways and requiring conservative surgical approaches to preserve lung tissue. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of primary pulmonary MEC in pediatric patients. It stresses the need to consider unusual causes in pediatric respiratory symptoms and highlights the critical role of precise diagnostic methods and personalized surgical strategies in managing such rare pulmonary malignancies for optimal outcomes.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma in children: two case reports and a review of the literature

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is a rare tumor, particularly in children, and its clinical manifestations vary. When the tumor is small, it may be asymptomatic; however, with larger tumors, patients may present with symptoms such as recurring pneumonia, atelectasis, persistent cough, chest pain, and even hemoptysis. PMEC appears as an exophytic intrabronchial mass. This study aims to report on the clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment approaches, and prognosis of two children diagnosed with PMEC at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. The age of onset for both children was 9 years, and the masses were located in the right upper lobe bronchi. Following surgical treatment, both patients showed a good prognosis. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive review of the relevant literature to enhance the overall understanding of PMEC.

Endoscopic resection of bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a young adult man: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Primary tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), derived from salivary mucus glands, is an uncommon neoplasm in adults. At present, surgery is still the preferred treatment for adult bronchial MEC, although it may cause significant trauma and loss of lung function. Here, we report a patient with endobronchial MEC who received the interventional bronchoscopic therapy to remove the neoplasm and no recurrence occurred during follow-up.

CASE SUMMARY

A 28-year-old man was admitted to our unit with mild hemoptysis for 3 d. Physical examination did not show any abnormal signs, and the serological indexes were all in the normal range. Chest computed tomography (CT) indicated an intraluminal nodule in the bronchus intermedius with homogeneous density and a well-defined margin. Upon fiberoptic bronchoscopy, an endobronchial pedunculated polypoid was discovered without submucosal involvement. As the neoplasm was confined to the bronchus, interventional bronchoscopy was performed to remove the mass by high-frequency electric knife and laser resection. Tissue was sampled and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of low-grade MEC. As the proliferation index was low, no further treatment was given. During 2 years of follow-up, the patient’s condition was good and no relapse was discovered under fluorescence bronchoscopy or CT scan.

CONCLUSION

Interventional bronchoscopy can be considered for treatment of low-grade bronchial MEC, with few complications and preserved lung function.